Who this is for
- People planning to enroll from overseas in a university, vocational school, Japanese-language school, or other school in Japan
- People considering changing from another status of residence to Student in Japan
- People whose period of stay as a student is approaching its end, or who plan to advance to another school or transfer
Main application and consultation offices:Applications are filed with the regional Immigration Services Bureau. For a Certificate of Eligibility, confirm the office with jurisdiction over the intended place of residence if you are applying yourself, or over the location of the accepting institution if an agent such as a school employee is applying. For changes and renewals, confirm the office with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
This status covers activities involving study at a school
Student is a status of residence for activities involving study at a university, graduate school, junior college, college of technology, senior high school, junior high school, elementary school, specialized training college, miscellaneous school, or other educational institution. Confirm that the accepting institution and course qualify for Student status, and that you can explain what you will study and how you will live during your stay.
The required documents and the extent to which documents may be omitted vary depending on the school category and whether the Immigration Services Agency has notified the school that it is an “appropriate school.” Do not simply use another school’s document checklist. A period of stay of up to 4 years and 3 months is individually designated.
COE Applications Before Entry vs. Changes and Renewals in Japan
If you plan to enter Japan from overseas to study, consider applying for a Certificate of Eligibility and confirm the school’s preparation schedule as well. Even after the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, you must apply for a visa and undergo landing examination.
If you are in Japan and will change your main activity to study from another status of residence, apply for permission to change your status of residence. If you already reside in Japan as a student and will continue studying, apply for permission to renew your period of stay. Even if your school changes because you advance to another school or transfer, continuing Student activities does not necessarily mean you must change to another status of residence. Distinguish the notification of a change of school from renewal according to your period of stay.
Supporting materials:[1]
Take note of the verification methods for Japanese-language schools in 2026
For admission to a Japanese-language educational institution, the practice of accepting a history of at least 150 hours of study alone as proof of Japanese-language ability has been revised; a test certificate or an interview-based assessment is now required. This applies to applicants planning to enroll from October 2026 for Certificates of Eligibility, and to applications for changes and renewals filed on or after July 1, 2026. Japanese-language programs at universities are also covered. If ability is assessed by a test, the test certificate must be submitted regardless of whether the school is an appropriate school.
The various confirmation forms are prepared by the school, not by the applicant. However, there are cases in which submission is not required, such as when the applicant has remained at the same school since the previous application. Exceptions also apply to applicants who are nationals of countries or regions listed in the table and submit a diploma or similar document from a foreign university or other institution. Do not treat a particular JLPT level as a universal mandatory requirement for all Student applications.
Renewals: Continued Study and Financial Support
The renewal document checklist for universities and other institutions lists, in addition to a certificate of enrollment, academic transcripts and graduation certificates from schools attended since the most recent application, as well as an attendance certificate if one can be issued. If you have transferred or advanced to another school, ask your previous school to issue the relevant documents too. If you have absences or have fallen behind in your studies, organize documents that accurately explain the circumstances.
Student status of residence is not permission to work. In principle, you need Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted to work part-time or otherwise. The blanket permission generally allows up to 28 hours per week. Work at establishments operating adult-entertainment businesses or similar is not permitted. It is important to avoid work that interferes with your studies and to cooperate when your school checks your employer, job duties, and daily working hours.
Checking required documents and where to obtain them
The documents listed are representative examples. Required materials vary depending on the type of application, such as an application for a Certificate of Eligibility, change, or extension, as well as your current status of residence, affiliated organization, nationality, and family relationships. Additional materials may be requested for individual cases.
Basic documents to prepare yourself
Application form appropriate to the type of application
- Purpose
- This explains the school and course you will attend, your educational background, and how your expenses will be covered.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s page on studying in Japan, or a regional immigration services bureau office.
- Points to check
- The forms differ for a Certificate of Eligibility application, an application to change status of residence, and an application to extend the period of stay. Ask your school to complete the sections it is responsible for.
Supporting materials:[1]
Photograph meeting the required specifications
- Purpose
- This is used to confirm the applicant’s identity and for the certificate and residence card, among other purposes.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- Have it taken at a photo studio or similar location and prepare it yourself.
- Points to check
- Check the photograph specifications for each application. For a change or extension application, no photograph is required if you will be under one year old on the date your residence card is issued.
Supporting materials:[1]
Passport and residence card
- Purpose
- These are used to confirm your name and current status of residence.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The passport is issued by the authority in your country of nationality; the residence card is the card issued by immigration.
- Points to check
- For a change or extension application, you are instructed to present these documents. For a Certificate of Eligibility application, also prepare a copy of your passport if you can submit one, to prevent discrepancies in the spelling of your name.
Supporting materials:[1]
Return envelope
- Purpose
- This indicates where a paper Certificate of Eligibility or other document should be sent.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- This is prepared by you or by the school handling the application, as applicable.
- Points to check
- It is listed among the documents to submit for a Certificate of Eligibility application. Check the addressee and the postage required for registered mail. If you choose electronic receipt, check the instructions for your application method.
Supporting materials:[1]
Documents to prepare in coordination with your school
Certificate of enrollment / letter of admission
- Purpose
- These show the institution accepting you and your plans to continue your studies.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The administrative office of your current school or the school you plan to attend.
- Points to check
- For an extension application at a university or similar institution, a certificate of enrollment is listed; for an application before starting school, a letter of admission is listed. Check the relevant list for a Certificate of Eligibility or change application, and for other types of schools.
Certificates concerning academic results, graduation, and attendance
- Purpose
- These show what you have actually studied and your academic circumstances to date.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- Each educational institution you have attended since your most recent application.
- Points to check
- These are examples based on the list for extension applications at universities and similar institutions. An attendance certificate is required if one can be issued. Separately check the required documents concerning research content for research students, or courses audited and hours attended, according to the type of placement.
Supporting materials:[2]
List of documents to submit / various confirmation forms / language test certificate
- Purpose
- These show the documents submitted and the language ability required for study, as confirmed by the school.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The list is from immigration, the confirmation form is from the school, and the test certificate is from the organization that administered the test.
- Points to check
- The school prepares the confirmation form. Check whether an exemption applies, such as continuing at the same school, and check the new procedures for Japanese language schools. If language ability was confirmed through a test, attach your certificate.
Documents based on how tuition and living expenses will be covered
Statement of financial support
- Purpose
- This explains who will pay the expenses, the circumstances of their undertaking to provide support, tuition and living expenses, and the method of payment.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The financial supporter prepares this using the reference form provided by immigration.
- Points to check
- This is listed in the guidance for Certificate of Eligibility and change applications. Check the applicable school-specific list for supporting documents, and ensure consistency with the supporter, amounts, and planned remittances stated in the application.
Supporting materials:[1]
Statement concerning support for living expenses / documents showing the facts of financial support
- Purpose
- These show how your expenses were covered during your period of stay.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- You prepare the statement. Obtain remittance records from a financial institution and pay slips from your employer or other relevant source.
- Points to check
- These are documents to consider for an extension application. At universities and similar institutions designated as appropriate schools, certain conditions apply, such as having received guidance regarding activities outside the scope of your status of residence at the most recent extension. They are therefore not uniformly required of everyone.
Certificate concerning the award of a scholarship
- Purpose
- This supports the claim that expenses are being covered by a scholarship.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The organization or school providing the scholarship.
- Points to check
- The list for extension applications at universities and similar institutions includes this when you began receiving a new scholarship after your most recent application. The treatment of government-sponsored international students is distinct, so check the list of certificates applicable to your case.
Consultation and application preparation process
- 1
Check the type of application and school category
Distinguish between a Certificate of Eligibility application before entering Japan, a change application within Japan, and an extension to continue studying. Ask your school to identify the list that applies to you.
Supporting materials:[1]
- 2
Ask your school for certificates and confirmation forms
Gather documents relating to your admission and studies. If you are transferring or advancing to another school, also check whether you need certificates from your previous school. Confirm with your school whether a language confirmation form is required.
- 3
Cross-check expenses and the information provided
Organize who will cover the expenses and how they will be paid, then check the information in your application and statement of financial support against each other. Attach a Japanese translation to documents in a foreign language.
- 4
Post-Application Support and Status of Residence Management
We respond to requests for additional documents. After approval, we manage visa and entry procedures; for applications filed in Japan, we monitor deadlines and also check required notifications, such as those relating to a change of school.
Supporting materials:[1]
Points to check before applying
- The documents listed here are examples of the main documents to prepare; they are not a complete list of requirements that applies to everyone. Give priority to the latest list applicable to your school category and application type. As a general rule, certificates issued in Japan should have been issued within the last three months.
- The number of documents submitted does not determine whether permission will be granted or the period of stay. Explain the application accurately and organize information about your studies, activities outside the scope of your Status of Residence, and required notifications. Check the official guidance in effect at the time of application for deadlines and fees.
This page provides general information about the system and does not determine individual cases or guarantee permission or approval. Required documents and requirements vary depending on individual circumstances. When applying, check the latest official information and consult an administrative scrivener about the procedures suited to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I definitely be granted a Status of Residence for Student if I have an admission letter?
Admission to a school and permission to reside in Japan are separate matters. Documents and explanations of expenses appropriate to the school and course are required, and additional documents may be requested during the examination.
Supporting materials:[1]
Do I also need a language confirmation document when renewing at the same school?
As a general rule, there are cases where this document is not required if the school you attend has not changed since your previous application. However, separate confirmation is needed in cases such as moving from Japanese-language education to another type of education at the same school.
Can I do contract work or an internship while studying in Japan?
You need to check whether permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under your Status of Residence is required, based on the type and hours of work. Activities for which working hours cannot be objectively verified, and internships exceeding 28 hours per week, among others, may require individual permission. Such activities are not necessarily approved just because you request permission.
Supporting materials:[4]
Official Immigration and Legal Affairs Sources
Check the following official pages for application forms and the latest required submission materials. Official materials are displayed in Japanese or other languages provided by each organization.
- [1] Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Documents to submit for the Status of Residence “Student”: Certificate of Eligibility / Change / Extension
- [2] Immigration Services Agency of Japan | List of documents to submit for extensions at universities and other institutions recognized as appropriate schools
- [3] Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Partial review of the operational rules for persons enrolling at Japanese-language educational institutions
- [4] Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted